Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/656 of 19 February 2024 on Union support for the activities of the International Atomic Energy Agency in the area of nuclear security

1 With a view to the implementation of the EU Strategy against Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction, the EU Global Strategy for the European Union’s Foreign and Security Policy and the Strategic Compass for Security and Defence, the Union shall further support the activities of the IAEA through an operational action.

2 The overall objectives of the action referred to in paragraph 1 shall be to: (a) promote adherence to relevant legally and non-legally binding international instruments to enhance nuclear security globally; (b) assist States in establishing, maintaining and sustaining national nuclear security regimes for nuclear and other radioactive materials, including during transport, and associated facilities used for peaceful purposes; (c) support the IAEA in playing the central role of facilitating and enhancing international cooperation and increasing visibility and awareness through communication on nuclear security.

3 The specific objectives of the action referred to in paragraph 1 shall be to: (a) provide nuclear security assistance to Ukraine; (b) strengthen the participation of women in careers related to nuclear security, in particular the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme; (c) build capacity to strengthen nuclear security in IAEA Member States.

4 A detailed description of the action referred to in paragraph 1 is set out in the Annex.

1 The High Representative (‘HR’) shall be responsible for the implementation of this Decision.

2 The technical implementation of the action referred to in Article 1 shall be carried out by the IAEA.

3 The IAEA shall perform the task referred to in paragraph 2 under the responsibility of the HR. For that purpose, the HR shall enter into the necessary arrangements with the IAEA.

1 The financial reference amount for the implementation of the action referred to in Article 1 shall be EUR 7200000.

2 The expenditure financed by the reference amount set out in paragraph 1 shall be managed in accordance with the rules and procedures applicable to the general budget of the Union.

3 The Commission shall supervise the proper management of the expenditure financed by the reference amount referred to in paragraph 1. For that purpose, it shall conclude a contribution agreement with the IAEA. The contribution agreement shall stipulate that the IAEA is to ensure the visibility of the Union’s contribution, appropriate to its size.

4 The Commission shall endeavour to conclude the agreement referred to in paragraph 3 as soon as possible after the entry into force of this Decision. It shall inform the Council of any difficulties in that process and of the date of the conclusion of the agreement.

1 The HR shall report to the Council on the implementation of this Decision on the basis of regular reports by the IAEA. The reports shall form the basis of the evaluation carried out by the Council.

2 The Commission shall provide information on the financial aspects of the implementation of the action referred to in Article 1.

1 This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.

2 This Decision shall expire 36 months after the conclusion of the agreement referred to in Article 3(3). However, it shall expire six months after the date of its entry into force if no agreement has been concluded within that period.